Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention

Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention

Colon cancer is a ‘silent’ cancer, meaning it often causes no major symptoms until it has reached advanced stages. Though it is a serious disease, it is also one of the most preventable. Disease awareness and education are among the most effective ways of informing patients of their colon cancer risk and encouraging them to undergo periodic screening for pre-cancerous and cancerous growths. At our office, our team of St. Petersburg GI specialists are committed to helping our patients become more informed about colon cancer prevention and awareness.

Did you know…

More than 135,000 people were diagnosed with colon cancer in the U.S. during 2011. Of them, 52 percent were men and 28 percent were women. Risk of developing the disease increases with age and primarily only affects people over age 60. However, the disease is very slow-growing and may begin as pre-cancerous polyps many years before turning into cancer. Early detection and removal of polyps can help prevent colon cancer from developing years before it starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at risk for developing colon cancer, and who should undergo screening?

Both men and women are at risk of colon cancer. Everyone in St. Petersburg should begin colon cancer screening no later than age 50 – 45 for African Americans. You may also be at increased risk for developing colon cancer if you have a history of benign colon polyps or if you have a family history of colon cancer.

How does a St. Petersburg gastroenterologist screen for colon cancer?

Colonoscopy is the most thorough and effective means of screening for colon cancer and pre-cancerous polyps. A colonoscopy is performed in an outpatient setting while the patient is under sedation. During the procedure, a small lighted camera is threaded through the colon, allowing the doctor to inspect the intestinal wall for signs of abnormal growths.

Is there anything else I can do to prevent colon cancer?

If you have an average risk of colon cancer, you may be able to prevent the disease by changing your diet to include more whole grains, fiber, fruits and vegetables. Limit alcohol consumption to only moderate amounts, if at all. This typically equates to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Increase your activity to 30 minutes per day, and stop using tobacco products if you currently smoke. Finally, keep your weight within a healthy range, as obesity is a risk factor for many cancers, including colon cancer.

If you have a heightened risk of colon cancer, you should adopt all of the above habits, as well as talk to your doctor about taking a daily aspirin. When taken regularly, aspirin may be able to reduce your risk of colon cancer. Prescription drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors may also effective for minimizing the chance of polyps returning in people who have had them in the past. In rare cases – usually those involving inherited syndromes or underlying gastrointestinal disorders – surgery may be necessary to remove all or part of the colon.

Patient Reviews

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Jon Pello

“Really great experience yesterday. I was impressed. Takes alot for me to be impressed and think I have received good care because been disappointed multiple times with other medical care here in Pinellas county. Thank you all for making my visit wonderful, respecting me, and being so on the ball and organized. Again… really impressed.“

Linda Wheeler

“ Love Dr. Kamath. He takes the time to answer your questions and to explain everything until you understand. He never rushes you.“

Nancy Voss

“ I have been a patient of Dr. Kamath’s for many, many years and he and is staff are always very kind and helpful. I would not go to any other G.I doctor at this point because I have developed a good patient-staff relationship and that is hard to find in most doctor offices these days. I have two family members that also are patients of Dr.Kamath and they both speak very highly of him.“

Anonymous

" I have been having my endoscopy with Dr. Kamath for the past 4 years. I would recommend anyone to have their procedures done at this facility. The staff is professional, loving and efficient. Everyone knows what they are doing so there’s no confusion. Dr. Kamath greets me with a smile each time I’ve met him and handled my visits to his office like I’m a human being and never a number. The facility is clean . Smells and looks great and my favorite of all is… I never wait long. The office gives you an appointment, and they take you on time. I’ll go to dr Kamath and recommend him always."

Ruth Ilyas​

“I’ve known Dr Kamath for quite a few years. I’ve always been impressed with the easy, amiable way we can sit down and discuss my particular situation, and while it is clear that he is the expert in field, he’s never come across as someone who “knows it all”. If something is not working, he’s always willing to try something I might suggest, providing it’s witihin reason. I highly respect his mind-body approach“

Walt Schultz

"Stress-free experience and a very efficient, professional and friendly staff."